Liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device

ABSTRACT

Providing a liquid crystal composition satisfies at least one of characteristics like high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, small viscosity, suitable optical anisotropy, large negative dielectric anisotropy, large specific resistance, high stability to ultraviolet light and high stability to heat or has a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics. Providing an AM device has a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth. The liquid crystal composition has a negative dielectric anisotropy and contains a specific compound having large negative dielectric anisotropy as a first component, a specific two-ring compound having low minimum temperature and negative dielectric anisotropy as a second component and a specific two-ring compound having low viscosity as a third component. The liquid crystal display device contains the composition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a 371 of international application of PCT application serial no. PCT/JP2010/063821, filed on Aug. 16, 2010, which claims the priority benefit of Japan application no. 2009-193154, filed on Aug. 24, 2009. The entirety of each of the above-mentioned patent applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein and made a part of this specification.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a liquid crystal composition mainly suitable for use in an active matrix (AM) device and so forth, and an AM device and so forth containing the composition. More specifically, the invention relates to a liquid crystal composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy, and a device that contains the composition and has a mode such as an in-plane switching (IPS) mode, a vertical alignment (VA) mode or a polymer sustained alignment (PSA) mode.

BACKGROUND ART

In a liquid crystal display device, a classification based on an operating mode for liquid crystals includes a phase change (PC) mode, a twisted nematic (TN) mode, a super twisted nematic (STN) mode, an electrically controlled birefringence (ECB) mode, an optically compensated bend (OCB) mode, an in-plane switching (IPS) mode, a vertical alignment (VA) mode and a polymer sustained alignment (PSA) mode. A classification based on a driving mode in the device includes a passive matrix (PM) and an active matrix (AM). The PM is further classified into static, multiplex and so forth, and the AM is classified into a thin film transistor (TFT), a metal insulator metal (MIM) and so forth. The TFT is further classified into amorphous silicon and polycrystal silicon. The latter is classified into a high temperature type and a low temperature type according to a production process. A classification based on a light source includes a reflective type utilizing a natural light, a transmissive type utilizing a backlight and a transreflective type utilizing both the natural light and the backlight.

The devices contain a liquid crystal composition having suitable characteristics. The liquid crystal composition has a nematic phase. General characteristics of the composition should be improved to obtain an AM device having good general characteristics. Table 1 below summarizes a relationship between two of the general characteristics. The general characteristics of the composition will be explained further based on a commercially available AM device. A temperature range of the nematic phase relates to a temperature range in which the device can be used. A preferred maximum temperature of the nematic phase is about 70° C. or higher and a preferred minimum temperature of the nematic phase is about −10° C. or lower. A viscosity of the composition relates to a response time in the device. A short response time is preferred for displaying moving images on the device. Accordingly, a small viscosity in the composition is preferred. A small viscosity at a low temperature is further preferred.

TABLE 1 General Characteristics of Composition and AM Device No. General Characteristics of Composition General Characteristics of AM Device 1 wide temperature range of a nematic phase wide usable temperature range 2 small viscosity ¹⁾ short response time 3 suitable optical anisotropy large contrast ratio 4 large positive or negative dielectric low threshold voltage and small electric anisotropy power consumption large contrast ratio 5 large specific resistance large voltage holding ratio and large contrast ratio 6 high stability to ultraviolet light and heat long service life ¹⁾ A liquid crystal composition can be injected into a liquid crystal cell in a shorter period of time.

An optical anisotropy of the composition relates to a contrast ratio in the device. A product (Δn×d) of the optical anisotropy (Δn) of the composition and a cell gap (d) in the device is designed so as to maximize the contrast ratio. A suitable value of the product depends on a type of the operating mode. The suitable value is in the range of about 0.30 micrometer to about 0.40 micrometer in a device having the VA mode, and in the range of about 0.20 micrometer to about 0.30 micrometer in a device having the IPS mode. In the above case, a composition having a large optical anisotropy is preferred for a device having a small cell gap. A large absolute value of a dielectric anisotropy in the composition contributes to a low threshold voltage, a small electric power consumption and a large contrast ratio in the device. Accordingly, the large absolute value of the dielectric anisotropy is preferred. A large specific resistance in the composition contributes to a large voltage holding ratio and a large contrast ratio in the device. Accordingly, a composition having a large specific resistance, at room temperature and also at a high temperature in an initial stage, is preferred. A composition having a large specific resistance, at room temperature and also at a high temperature after using the device for a long time, is preferred. Stability of the composition to ultraviolet light and heat relates to a service life of the liquid crystal display device. In the case where the stability is high, the device has a long service life. Such characteristics are preferred for an AM device used in a liquid crystal projector, a liquid crystal television and so forth.

A composition having a positive dielectric anisotropy is used for an AM device having the TN mode. On the other hand, a composition having a negative dielectric anisotropy is used for an AM device having the VA mode. A composition having a positive or negative dielectric anisotropy is used for an AM device having the IPS mode. A composition having a positive or negative dielectric anisotropy is used for an AM device having the PSA mode. Examples of the liquid crystal composition having the negative dielectric anisotropy are disclosed in the following patent literatures No. 1 to No. 6.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   Patent literature No. 1: EP 474062 A. -   Patent literature No. 2: JP 2006-37053 A. -   Patent literature No. 3: JP 2006-37054 A. -   Patent literature No. 4: JP 2006-233182 A. -   Patent literature No. 5: JP 2007-39639 A. -   Patent literature No. 6: JP 2008-308581 A.

A desirable AM device has characteristics such as a wide temperature range in which a device can be used, a short response time, a large contrast ratio, a low threshold voltage, a large voltage holding ratio and a long service life. A shorter response time even by one millisecond is desirable. Thus, desirable characteristics of a composition include a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large positive or negative dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

One of the aims of the invention is to provide a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat. Another aim is to provide a liquid crystal composition having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics. A further aim is to provide a liquid crystal display device containing such a composition. An additional aim is to provide a composition having a suitable optical anisotropy to be a small optical anisotropy or a large optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, a high stability to ultraviolet light and so forth, and is to provide an AM device having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.

Solution to Problem

The invention concerns a liquid crystal composition that has a negative dielectric anisotropy and contains at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1) as a first component, at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2) as a second component and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3) as a third component, and concerns a liquid crystal display device containing the composition:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; R³ and R⁴ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; and m is 1 or 2.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

An advantage of the invention is a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat. One aspect of the invention is a liquid crystal composition having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics. Another aspect is a liquid crystal display device containing such a composition. A further aspect is a composition having a suitable optical anisotropy, a large negative dielectric anisotropy, a high stability to ultraviolet light and so forth, and is an AM device having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Usage of terms in the specification and claims is as described below. A liquid crystal composition or a liquid crystal display device of the invention may be abbreviated as “composition” or “device,” respectively. The liquid crystal display device is a generic term for a liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display module. “Liquid crystal compound” means a compound having a liquid crystal phase such as a nematic phase or a smectic phase, or a compound having no liquid crystal phase but being useful as a component of the composition. Such a useful compound has a six-membered ring such as 1,4-cyclohexylene and 1,4-phenylene, and a rod-like molecular structure. An optically active compound and a polymerizable compound may occasionally be added to the composition. Even in the case where the compound is liquid crystalline, the compound is classified as an additive herein. At least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1) may be abbreviated as “compound (1).” “Compound (1)” means one compound or two or more compounds represented by formula (1). A same rule applies to any other compound represented by any other formula. “Arbitrary” means any of not only positions but also numbers without including the case where the number is 0 (zero).

A higher limit of a temperature range of the nematic phase may be abbreviated as “maximum temperature.” A lower limit of the temperature range of the nematic phase may be abbreviated as “minimum temperature.” An expression “a specific resistance is large” means that the composition has a large specific resistance at room temperature and also at a temperature close to the maximum temperature of the nematic phase in an initial stage, and that the composition has a large specific resistance at room temperature and also at a temperature close to the maximum temperature of the nematic phase even after using the device for a long time. An expression “a voltage holding ratio is large” means that the device has a large voltage holding ratio at room temperature and also at a high temperature in an initial stage, and that the device has a large voltage holding ratio at room temperature and also at a temperature close to the maximum temperature of the nematic phase even after using the device for a long time. When characteristics such as an optical anisotropy are explained, values obtained according to the measuring methods described in Examples will be used. A first component includes one compound or two or more compounds. A term “a ratio of the first component” is expressed as weight percent (% by weight) of the first component based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition. A same rule applies to a ratio of the second component and so forth. A ratio of the additive mixed with the composition is expressed as weight percent (% by weight) or weight parts per million (ppm) based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.

A symbol R¹ is used for a plurality of compounds in chemical formulas of component compounds. R¹ to be selected may be identical or different in two arbitrary compounds among a plurality of the compounds. In one case, for example, R¹ of compound (1) is ethyl and R¹ of compound (2) is ethyl. In another case, R¹ of compound (1) is ethyl and R¹ of compound (2) is propyl. A same rule applies to a symbol Z², ring E¹ or the like.

The invention includes the items described below.

Item 1. A liquid crystal composition that has a negative dielectric anisotropy and contains at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1) as a first component, at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2) as a second component and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3) as a third component:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; R³ and R⁴ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; and m is 1 or 2. Item 2. The liquid crystal composition according to item 1, wherein R³ is alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in the third component. Item 3. The liquid crystal composition according to item 1 or 2, wherein a ratio of the first component is in the range of 5% by weight to 40% by weight, a ratio of the second component is in the range of 5% by weight to 30% by weight, and a ratio of the third component is in the range of 10% by weight to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition. Item 4. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 3, further containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4) as a fourth component:

wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring A, ring B and ring C are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 2,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, and at least one of ring A, ring B and ring C is 1,4-phenylene; Z¹ is independently a single bond, ethylene or carbonyloxy; and j is 0, 1 or 2. Item 5. The liquid crystal composition according to item 4, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-1) to formula (4-8):

wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine. Item 6. The liquid crystal composition according to item 5, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-2). Item 7. The liquid crystal composition according to item 5, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-3). Item 8. The liquid crystal composition according to item 5, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-8). Item 9. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 4 to 8, wherein a ratio of the fourth component is in the range of 5% by weight to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition. Item 10. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 9, further containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5-1) to formula (5-2) as a fifth component:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring D, ring E and ring F are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z² and Z³ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy; X¹ and X² are independently fluorine or chlorine; k is 1, 2 or 3; and p and q are independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, and a sum of p and q is 3 or less. Item 11. The liquid crystal composition according to item 10, wherein the fifth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5-1-1) to formula (5-1-3), and formula (5-2-1) to formula (5-2-4):

wherein R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring E¹, ring E², ring F¹ and ring F² are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; and Z² and Z³ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy. Item 12. The liquid crystal composition according to item 11, wherein the fifth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5-1-1). Item 13. The liquid crystal composition according to item 11, wherein the fifth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5-1-2). Item 14. The liquid crystal composition according to item 11, wherein the fifth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5-1-3). Item 15. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 10 to 14, wherein a ratio of the fifth component is in the range of 5% by weight to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition. Item 16. The liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein a maximum temperature of a nematic phase is 70° C. or higher, an optical anisotropy (25° C.) at a wavelength of 589 nanometers is 0.08 or more, and a dielectric anisotropy (25° C.) at a frequency of 1 kHz is −2 or less. Item 17. A liquid crystal display device, containing the liquid crystal composition according to any one of items 1 to 16. Item 18. The liquid crystal display device according to item 17, wherein an operating mode in the liquid crystal display device is a VA mode, an IPS mode or a PSA mode, and a driving mode in the liquid crystal display device is an active matrix mode.

The invention further includes the following items: (1) the composition, further containing the optically active compound; (2) the composition, further containing the additive such as an antioxidant, an ultraviolet light absorber or an antifoaming agent; (3) an AM device containing the composition; (4) a device containing the composition, and having a TN, ECB, OCB, IPS, VA or PSA mode; (5) a transmissive device, containing the composition; (6) use of the composition as the composition having the nematic phase; and (7) use as an optically active composition prepared by addition of the optically active compound to the composition.

The composition of the invention will be explained in the following order. First, a constitution of the component compounds in the composition will be explained. Second, main characteristics of the component compounds and main effects of the compounds on the composition will be explained. Third, a combination of components in the composition, a preferred ratio of the component compounds and the basis thereof will be explained. Fourth, a preferred embodiment of the component compounds will be explained. Fifth, specific examples of the component compounds will be shown. Sixth, the additive that may be mixed with the composition will be explained. Seventh, methods for synthesizing the component compounds will be explained. Last, an application of the composition will be explained.

First, the constitution of the component compounds in the composition will be explained. The composition of the invention is classified into composition A and composition B. Composition A may further contain any other liquid crystal compound, the additive and an impurity. “Any other liquid crystal compound” means a liquid crystal compound different from compound (1), compound (2), compound (3), compound (4), compound (5-1) and compound (5-2). Such a compound is mixed with the composition for the purpose of further adjusting the characteristics. Of any other liquid crystal compounds, a cyano compound is preferred to be small in view of stability to heat or ultraviolet light. A further preferred ratio of the cyano compound is 0% by weight. The additive includes the optically active compound, the antioxidant, the ultraviolet light absorber, a coloring matter, the antifoaming agent, the polymerizable compound and a polymerization initiator. The impurity includes a compound mixed in a process such as preparation of the component compounds. Even in the case where the compound is liquid crystalline, the compound is classified as the impurity herein.

Composition B consists essentially of compounds selected from the group of compound (1), compound (2), compound (3), compound (4), compound (5-1) and compound (5-2). A term “essentially” means that the composition may also contain the additive and the impurity, but does not contain any liquid crystal compound different from the compounds. Composition B has a smaller number of components than composition A has. Composition B is preferred to composition A in view of cost reduction. Composition A is preferred to composition B in view of capability of further adjusting physical properties by mixing any other liquid crystal compound.

Second, the main characteristics of the component compounds and the main effects of the compounds on the characteristics of the composition will be explained. The main characteristics of the component compounds are summarized in Table 2 on the basis of advantageous effects of the invention. In Table 2, a symbol L stands for “large” or “high,” a symbol M stands for “medium,” and a symbol S stands for “small” or “low.” The symbols L, M and S are classified according to a qualitative comparison among the component compounds, and 0 (zero) means “a value is nearly zero.”

TABLE 2 Characteristics of compounds Com- Com- Com- Com- Com- pound pound pound pound pound (5-1) Compounds (1) (2) (3) (4) (5-2) Maximum temperature S-M S S-M S-L S-M Viscosity M-L M S S-M M-L Optical Anisotropy M M S M-L M-L Dielectric Anisotropy L ¹⁾ M-L ¹⁾ 0 0 M-L ¹⁾ Specific Resistance L L L L L ¹⁾ A value of the dielectric anisotropy is negative, and the symbol shows small and large of an absolute value.

Upon mixing the component compounds with the composition, the main effects of the component compounds on the characteristics of the composition are as described below. Compound (1) increases an absolute value of the dielectric anisotropy. Compound (2) decreases the minimum temperature. Compound (3) decreases a viscosity. Compound (4) increases the maximum temperature or decreases the minimum temperature. Compound (5-1) and compound (5-2) increase the absolute value of the dielectric anisotropy and decreases the minimum temperature.

Third, the combination of the components in the composition, the preferred ratio of the component compounds and the basis thereof will be explained. The combination of the components in the composition includes a combination of the first component, the second component and the third component, a combination of the first component, the second component, the third component and the fourth component, a combination of the first component, the second component, the third component and the fifth component and a combination of the first component, the second component, the third component, the fourth component and the fifth component. A preferred combination of the components in the composition includes the combination of the first component, the second component, the third component and the fourth component, and the combination of the first component, the second component, the third component, the fourth component and the fifth component.

A preferred ratio of the first component is about 5% by weight or more for increasing the absolute value of the dielectric anisotropy, and about 40% by weight or less for decreasing the minimum temperature. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 5% by weight to about 30% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of about 10% by weight to about 30% by weight.

A preferred ratio of the second component is about 5% by weight or more for decreasing the minimum temperature, and about 30% by weight or less for increasing the maximum temperature. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 5% by weight to about 25% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight.

A preferred ratio of the third component is about 10% by weight or more for decreasing the viscosity, and about 60% or less for increasing the absolute value of the dielectric anisotropy. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 15% by weight to about 55% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of about 20% by weight to about 50% by weight.

A preferred ratio of the fourth component is about 5% by weight or more for increasing the maximum temperature or decreasing the minimum temperature, and about 30% by weight or less for increasing the absolute value of the dielectric anisotropy. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 5% by weight to about 25% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight.

A preferred ratio of the fifth component is about 5% by weight or more for increasing the absolute value of the dielectric anisotropy, and about 40% by weight or less for decreasing the viscosity. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 5% by weight to about 35% by weight. A particularly preferred ratio is in the range of about 5% by weight to about 30% by weight.

Fourth, the preferred embodiment of the component compounds will be explained. R¹, R², R⁵ and R⁶ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine. Preferred R¹ or R² is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the stability to ultraviolet light or heat, or the like, or alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the absolute value of the dielectric anisotropy. Preferred R⁵ or R⁶ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the stability to ultraviolet light or heat, or the like, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons for decreasing the minimum temperature. R³ and R⁴ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine. Preferred R³ is alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons for decreasing the minimum temperature. Preferred R⁴ is alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons for increasing the stability to ultraviolet light or heat, or the like.

Preferred alkyl is methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, heptyl or octyl. Further preferred alkyl is ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl or heptyl for decreasing the viscosity.

Preferred alkoxy is methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, butoxy, pentyloxy, hexyloxy or heptyloxy. Further preferred alkoxy is methoxy or ethoxy for decreasing the viscosity.

Preferred alkenyl is vinyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl or 5-hexenyl. Further preferred alkenyl is vinyl, 1-propenyl, 3-butenyl or 3-pentenyl for decreasing the viscosity. A preferred configuration of —CH═CH— in the alkenyl depends on a position of a double bond. Trans is preferred in the alkenyl such as 1-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 3-pentenyl and 3-hexenyl for decreasing the viscosity, for instance. Cis preferred in the alkenyl such as 2-butenyl, 2-pentenyl and 2-hexenyl. In the alkenyl, straight-chain alkenyl is preferred to branched-chain alkenyl.

Preferred examples of alkenyl in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine include 2,2-difluorovinyl, 3,3-difluoro-2-propenyl, 4,4-difluoro-3-butenyl, 5,5-difluoro-4-pentenyl and 6,6-difluoro-5-hexenyl. Further preferred examples include 2,2-difluorovinyl or 4,4-difluoro-3-butenyl for decreasing the viscosity.

Ring A, ring B and ring C are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 2,5-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, and at least one of ring A, ring B and ring C is 1,4-phenylene. Two of ring C when j is 2 may be identical or different. Preferred ring A, ring B or ring C is 1,4-cyclohexylene for decreasing the viscosity, and 1,4-phenylene for increasing the optical anisotropy. Ring D, ring E, ring E¹, ring E², ring F, ring F¹ and ring F² are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene, arbitrary two of ring D when k is 2 or 3 may be identical or different, arbitrary two of ring E when p is 2 or 3 may be identical or different, and arbitrary two of ring F when q is 2 or 3 may be identical or different. Preferred ring D, ring E, ring E¹, ring E², ring F, ring F¹ or ring F² is 1,4-cyclohexylene for decreasing the optical anisotropy. With regard to a configuration of 1,4-cyclohexylene, trans is preferred to cis for increasing the maximum temperature.

Z¹ is independently a single bond, ethylene or carbonyloxy, and two of Z¹ when j is 2 may be identical or different. Preferred Z¹ is a single bond for decreasing the viscosity. Z² and Z³ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy, arbitrary two of Z² when k and p are 2 or 3 may be identical or different, and arbitrary two of Z³ when q is 2 or 3 may be identical or different. Preferred Z² or Z³ is a single bond for decreasing the viscosity, or methyleneoxy for increasing the absolute value of the dielectric anisotropy.

X¹ and X² are independently fluorine or chlorine. Preferred X¹ or X² is fluorine for decreasing the viscosity.

Then, m is 1 or 2. Preferred m is 2 for increasing the maximum temperature. Then, j is 0, 1 or 2. Preferred j is 1 for decreasing the minimum temperature. Herein, k is 1, 2 or 3. Preferred k is 2 for decreasing the minimum temperature. Thus, p and q are independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, and a sum of p and q is 3 or less. Preferred p is 2 for increasing the maximum temperature. Preferred q is 0 for decreasing the minimum temperature.

Fifth, the specific examples of the component compounds will be shown. In the preferred compounds described below, R⁷ is straight-chain alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons or straight-chain alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons. R⁸ and R⁹ are independently straight-chain alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons or straight-chain alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons. R¹⁰ is straight-chain alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons.

Preferred compound (1) includes compound (1-1) and compound (1-2). Further preferred compound (1) includes compound (1-2). Preferred compound (2) includes compound (2-1). Preferred compound (3) includes compound (3-1). Preferred compound (4) includes compound (4-1-1) to compound (4-8-1). Further preferred compound (4) includes compound (4-2-1), compound (4-3-1), compound (4-4-1) and compound (4-8-1). Particularly preferred compound (4) includes compound (4-3-1), compound (4-4-1) and compound (4-8-1). Preferred compound (5-1) includes compound (5-1-1-1) to compound (5-1-3-1). Further preferred compound (5-1) includes compound (5-1-1-1) and compound (5-1-2-1). Preferred compound (5-2) includes compound (5-2-1-1), compound (5-2-1-2), compound (5-2-2-1), compound (5-2-3-1) to compound (5-2-3-5), compound (5-2-4-1) and compound (5-2-4-2). Further preferred compound (5-2) includes compound (5-2-1-2), compound (5-2-3-1), compound (5-2-3-3) and compound (5-2-4-1). Particularly preferred compound (5-2) includes compound (5-2-1-2) and compound (5-2-3-3).

Sixth, the additive that may be mixed with the composition will be explained. Such an additive includes the optically active compound, the antioxidant, the ultraviolet light absorber, the coloring matter, the antifoaming agent, the polymerizable compound and the polymerization initiator. The optically active compound is mixed with the composition for the purpose of inducing a helical structure and giving a twist angle in liquid crystals. Examples of such a compound include compound (6-1) to compound (6-4). A preferred ratio of the optically active compound is 5% by weight or less, and a further preferred ratio is in the range of about 0.01% by weight to about 2% by weight.

The antioxidant is mixed with the composition for the purpose of preventing a decrease in specific resistance caused by heating in air, or maintaining a large voltage holding ratio at room temperature and also at a temperature close to the maximum temperature of the nematic phase after using the device for a long time.

Preferred examples of the antioxidant include compound (7) where n is an integer from 1 to 9. In compound (7), preferred n is 1, 3, 5, 7 or 9. Further preferred n is 1 or 7. Compound (7) where n is 1 is effective in preventing a decrease in specific resistance caused by heating in air because the compound (7) has a large volatility. Compound (7) where n is 7 is effective in maintaining a large voltage holding ratio at room temperature and also at a temperature close to the maximum temperature of the nematic phase after using the device for a long time because the compound (7) has a small volatility. A preferred ratio of the antioxidant is about 50 ppm or more for achieving the effect thereof, and about 600 ppm or less for avoiding a decrease in maximum temperature or avoiding an increase in minimum temperature. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 100 ppm to about 300 ppm.

Preferred examples of the ultraviolet light absorber include a benzophenone derivative, a benzoate derivative and a triazole derivative. A light stabilizer such as an amine having steric hindrance is also preferred. A preferred ratio of the ultraviolet light absorber or the stabilizer is about 50 ppm or more for achieving the effect thereof; and about 10,000 ppm or less for avoiding a decrease in maximum temperature or avoiding an increase in minimum temperature. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 100 ppm to about 10,000 ppm.

A dichroic dye such as an azo dye or an anthraquinone dye is mixed with the composition to be adapted for a device having a guest host (GH) mode. A preferred ratio of the coloring matter is in the range of about 0.01% by weight to about 10% by weight. The antifoaming agent such as dimethyl silicone oil or methyl phenyl silicone oil is mixed with the composition for preventing foam formation. A preferred ratio of the antifoaming agent is about 1 ppm or more for achieving the effect thereof; and about 1,000 ppm or less for avoiding a poor display. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 1 ppm to about 500 ppm.

The polymerizable compound is mixed with the composition to be adapted for the device having the polymer sustained alignment (PSA) mode. Preferred examples of the polymerizable compound include a compound having a polymerizable group, such as acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl compound, vinyloxy compound, propenyl ether, epoxy compound (oxirane, oxetane) and vinyl ketone. Particularly preferred examples include an acrylate derivative or a methacrylate derivative. A preferred ratio of the polymerizable compound is about 0.05% by weight or more for achieving the effect thereof, and about 10% by weight or less for avoiding a poor display. A further preferred ratio is in the range of about 0.1% by weight to about 2% by weight. The polymerizable compound is polymerized by irradiation with ultraviolet light or the like, preferably, in the presence of a suitable initiator such as a photopolymerization initiator. Suitable conditions for polymerization, suitable types of the initiator and suitable amounts thereof are known to a person skilled in the art and are described in literatures. For example, Irgacure 651 (registered trademark), Irgacure 184 (registered trademark) or Darocure 1173 (registered trademark) (Ciba Japan K.K.), each being a photoinitiator, is suitable for radical polymerization. A preferred ratio of the photopolymerization initiator is in the range of about 0.1% by weight to about 5% by weight of the polymerizable compound, and a particularly preferred ratio is in the range of about 1% by weight to about 3% by weight.

Seventh, the methods for synthesizing the component compounds will be explained. The compounds can be prepared according to known methods. Compound (1-1) and compound (1-2) are prepared by the method described in JP H2-503568 A (1990). Compound (2-1) is prepared by the method described in JP H2-503441 A (1990). Compound (3-1) is prepared by the method described in JP S59-176221 A (1984). Compound (4-8-1) is prepared by the method described in JP H2-237949 A (1990). Compound (5-1-1-1) is prepared by the method described in JP H2-503441 A (1990). Compound (5-2-2-1) is prepared by the method described in JP 2005-35986 A (2005). The antioxidant is commercially available. A compound represented by formula (7) where n is 1 is available from Sigma-Aldrich Corporation. Compound (7) where n is 7 and so forth is prepared according to the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,660,505 B.

Any compounds whose synthetic methods are not described above can be prepared according to the methods described in books such as Organic Syntheses (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), Organic Reactions (John Wiley & Sons, Inc.), Comprehensive Organic Synthesis (Pergamon Press), New Experimental Chemistry Course (Shin Jikken Kagaku Koza in Japanese) (Maruzen Co., Ltd.). The composition is prepared according to known methods using the thus obtained compounds. For example, the component compounds are mixed and dissolved in each other by heating.

Last, the application of the composition will be explained. The composition of the invention mainly has a minimum temperature of about −10° C. or lower, a maximum temperature of about 70° C. or higher, and an optical anisotropy in the range of about 0.07 to about 0.20. The device containing the composition has a large voltage holding ratio. The composition is suitable for use in the AM device. The composition is particularly suitable for use in a transmissive AM device. The composition having an optical anisotropy in the range of about 0.08 to about 0.25, and also the composition having an optical anisotropy in the range of about 0.10 to about 0.30 may be prepared by adjusting the ratio of the component compounds or by mixing with any other liquid crystal compound. The composition can be used as the composition having the nematic phase and as the optically active composition by adding the optically active compound.

The composition can be used for the AM device, and also for a PM device. The composition can also be used for an AM device and a PM device having a mode such as PC, TN, STN, ECB, OCB, IPS, VA or PSA. Use for the AM device having the IPS or VA mode is particularly preferred. The device may be of a reflective type, a transmissive type or a transreflective type. Use for the transmissive device is preferred. The composition can be also used for an amorphous silicon-TFT device or a polycrystal silicon-TFT device. The composition can be also used for a nematic curvilinear aligned phase (NCAP) device prepared by microencapsulating the composition, and for a polymer dispersed (PD) device in which a three-dimensional network-polymer is formed in the composition.

EXAMPLES

In order to evaluate a composition and a compound to be contained in the composition, the composition and the compound were made as a measurement object. When the measurement object was the composition, the measurement object was measured as is, and values obtained were described. When the measurement object was the compound, a sample for measurement was prepared by mixing the compound (15% by weight) into mother liquid crystals (85% by weight). Characteristic values of the compound were calculated from values obtained by measurement, according to an extrapolation method:

(extrapolated value)={(measured value of a sample)−0.85×(measured value of mother liquid crystals)}/0.15. When a smectic phase (or crystals) precipitated at the ratio thereof at 25° C., a ratio of the compound to the mother liquid crystals was changed step by step in the order of (10% by weight:90% by weight), (5% by weight:95% by weight) and (1% by weight:99% by weight). Values of a maximum temperature, an optical anisotropy, a viscosity and a dielectric anisotropy with regard to the compound were obtained by the extrapolation method.

Components of the mother liquid crystals were as described below. A ratio of each component is weight percent.

Characteristics were measured according to the methods described below. Most of the methods are applied as described in EIAJ ED-2521A of the Standard of Electronic Industries Association of Japan, or modified thereon.

Maximum Temperature of a Nematic Phase (NI; ° C.): A sample was placed on a hot plate in a melting point apparatus equipped with a polarizing microscope and was heated at a rate of 1° C. per minute. Temperature when a part of the sample began to change from a nematic phase to an isotropic liquid was measured. A higher limit of a temperature range of the nematic phase may be abbreviated as “maximum temperature.”

Minimum Temperature of a Nematic Phase (T_(c); ° C.): A sample having a nematic phase was put in glass vials and kept in freezers for 10 days at temperatures of 0° C., −10° C., −20° C., −30° C. and −40° C., and then liquid crystal phases were observed. For example, when the sample maintained the nematic phase at −20° C. and changed to crystals or a smectic phase at −30° C., T_(c) was expressed as T_(c)≦−20° C. A lower limit of a temperature range of the nematic phase may be abbreviated as “minimum temperature.”

Viscosity (bulk viscosity; η; measured at 20° C.; mPa·s): A cone-plate (E type) viscometer was used for measurement.

Optical Anisotropy (refractive index anisotropy; Δn; measured at 25° C.): Measurement was carried out by means of an Abbe refractometer with a polarizing plate mounted on an ocular, using light at a wavelength of 589 nanometers. A surface of a main prism was rubbed in one direction, and then a sample was added dropwise onto the main prism. A refractive index (n∥) was measured when the direction of polarized light was parallel to the direction of rubbing. A refractive index (n⊥) was measured when the direction of polarized light was perpendicular to the direction of rubbing. A value of optical anisotropy was calculated from an equation: Δn=n∥−n⊥.

Dielectric Anisotropy (Δ∈; measured at 25° C.): A value of dielectric anisotropy was calculated from an equation:

Δ∈=∈∥−∈⊥. A dielectric constant (∈∥ and ∈⊥) was measured as described below.

1) Measurement of dielectric constant (∈∥): An ethanol (20 mL) solution of octadecyl triethoxysilane (0.16 mL) was applied to a well-washed glass substrate. After rotating the glass substrate with a spinner, the glass substrate was heated at 150° C. for 1 hour. A sample was put in a VA device in which a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 4 micrometers, and the device was sealed with an ultraviolet-curable adhesive. Sine waves (0.5 V, 1 kHz) were applied to the device, and after 2 seconds, a dielectric constant (∈∥) in the major axis direction of liquid crystal molecules was measured. 2) Measurement of dielectric constant (∈⊥): A polyimide solution was applied to a well-washed glass substrate. After calcining the glass substrate, rubbing treatment was applied to the alignment film obtained. A sample was put in a TN device in which a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 9 micrometers and a twist angle was 80 degrees. Sine waves (0.5 V, 1 kHz) were applied to the device, and after 2 seconds a dielectric constant (∈⊥) in the minor axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules was measured.

Threshold Voltage (Vth; measured at 25° C.; V): An LCD-5100 luminance meter made by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. was used for measurement. A light source was a halogen lamp. A sample was put in a VA device having a normally black mode, in which a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 4 micrometers and a rubbing direction was anti-parallel, and the device was sealed with an ultraviolet-curable adhesive. A voltage to be applied to the device (60 Hz, rectangular waves) was stepwise increased from 0 V to 20 V at an increment of 0.02 V. On the occasion, the device was irradiated with light in a perpendicular direction, and the amount of light passing through the device was measured. A voltage-transmittance curve was prepared, in which the maximum amount of light corresponds to 100% transmittance and the minimum amount of light corresponds to 0% transmittance. A threshold voltage is a voltage at 10% transmittance.

Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR-1; measured at 25° C.; %): A TN device used for measurement had a polyimide-alignment film, and a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 5 micrometers. A sample was put in the device, and then the device was sealed with an ultraviolet-curable adhesive. A pulse voltage (60 microseconds at 5 V) was applied to the TN device and the device was charged. A decreasing voltage was measured for 16.7 milliseconds with a high-speed voltmeter, and area A between a voltage curve and a horizontal axis in a unit cycle was obtained. Area B is an area without a decrease. A voltage holding ratio is a percentage of area A to area B.

Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR-2; measured at 80° C.; %): A TN device used for measurement had a polyimide-alignment film, and a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 5 micrometers. A sample was put in the device, and then the device was sealed with an ultraviolet-curable adhesive. A pulse voltage (60 microseconds at 5 V) was applied to the TN device and the device was charged. A decreasing voltage was measured for 16.7 milliseconds with a high-speed voltmeter and area A between a voltage curve and a horizontal axis in a unit cycle was obtained. Area B is an area without a decrease. A voltage holding ratio is a percentage of area A to area B.

Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR-3; measured at 25° C.; %): Stability to ultraviolet light was evaluated by measuring a voltage holding ratio after irradiation with ultraviolet light. A TN device used for measurement had a polyimide-alignment film and a cell gap was 5 micrometers. A sample was poured into the device, and then the device was irradiated with light for 20 minutes. A light source was an ultra high-pressure mercury lamp USH-500D (made by Ushio, Inc.), and a distance between the device and the light source was 20 centimeters. In measuring VHR-3, a decreasing voltage was measured for 16.7 milliseconds. A composition having a large VHR-3 has a high stability to ultraviolet light. A value of VHR-3 is preferably in the range of 90% or more, further preferably, 95% or more.

Voltage Holding Ratio (VHR-4; measured at 25° C.; %): A TN device into which a sample was poured was heated in a constant-temperature bath at 80° C. for 500 hours, and then stability to heat was evaluated by measuring a voltage holding ratio. In measuring VHR-4, a decreasing voltage was measured for 16.7 milliseconds. A composition having a large VHR-4 has a high stability to heat.

Response Time (τ; measured at 25° C.; millisecond): An LCD-5100 luminance meter made by Otsuka Electronics Co., Ltd. was used for measurement. A light source was a halogen lamp. A low-pass filter was set at 5 kHz. A sample was put in a PVA device having a normally black mode, in which a distance (cell gap) between two glass substrates was 3.2 micrometers and a rubbing direction was anti-parallel. The device was sealed with an ultraviolet-curable adhesive. A voltage just over a threshold voltage was applied to the device for about one minute, next, while applying a voltage of 5.6 V, the device was irradiated with ultraviolet light at 23.5 mW/cm² for about 8 minutes. Rectangular waves (60 Hz, 10 V, 0.5 second) were applied to the device. On the occasion, the device was irradiated with light in a perpendicular direction, and the amount of light passing through the device was measured. The maximum amount of light corresponds to 100% transmittance, and the minimum amount of light corresponds to 0% transmittance. A response time is time required for a change from 0% transmittance to 90% transmittance (rise time; millisecond).

Specific Resistance (ρ; measured at 25° C.; Ωcm): A sample of 1.0 milliliter was put in a vessel equipped with electrodes. A DC voltage (10 V) was applied to the vessel, and a DC current after 10 seconds was measured. A specific resistance was calculated from the following equation: (specific resistance)={(voltage)×(electric capacity of vessel)}/{(DC current)×(dielectric constant in vacuum)}.

Gas Chromatographic Analysis: GC-14B gas chromatograph made by Shimadzu Corporation was used for measurement. A carrier gas was helium (2 mL per minute). A sample injector and a detector (FID) were set to 280° C. and 300° C., respectively. A capillary column DB-1 (length 30 m, bore 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm; dimethylpolysiloxane as a stationary phase, non-polar) made by Agilent Technologies, Inc. was used for separation of component compounds. After the column was kept at 200° C. for 2 minutes, the column was further heated to 280° C. at a rate of 5° C. per minute. A sample was dissolved in an acetone solution (0.1% by weight), and then 1 microliter of the solution was injected into the sample injector. A recorder used was C-R5A Chromatopac made by Shimadzu Corporation or the equivalent thereof. The resulting gas chromatogram showed a retention time of a peak and a peak area corresponding to each of the component compounds.

As a solvent for diluting a sample, chloroform, hexane and so forth may also be used. The following capillary columns may also be used for separating component compounds: HP-1 (length 30 m, bore 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) made by Agilent Technologies Inc., Rtx-1 (length 30 m, bore 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) made by Restek Corporation, and BP-1 (length 30 m, bore 0.32 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) made by SGE International Pty. Ltd. A capillary column CBP1-M50-025 (length 50 m, bore 0.25 mm, film thickness 0.25 μm) made by Shimadzu Corporation may also be used for the purpose of avoiding an overlap of peaks of the compounds.

A ratio of liquid crystal compounds included in a composition may be calculated according to the method as described below. The liquid crystal compounds can be detected by means of a gas chromatograph. A ratio of peak areas in the gas chromatogram corresponds to a ratio (in the number of moles) of the liquid crystal compounds. When the capillary columns described above were used, a correction coefficient of each of the liquid crystal compounds may be regarded as 1 (one). Accordingly, a ratio (% by weight) of the liquid crystal compounds was calculated from the ratio of the peak areas.

The invention will be explained in detail by way of Examples. The invention is not limited by the Examples described below. The compounds described in Comparative Examples and Examples were expressed as symbols according to definitions in Table 3 below.

In Table 3, a configuration of 1,4-cyclohexylene is trans. A parenthesized number next to a symbolized compound in Examples corresponds to the number of the compound. A symbol (−) means any other liquid crystal compound. A ratio (percentage) of liquid crystal compounds means weight percent (% by weight) based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition. The liquid crystal composition further includes an impurity in addition thereto. Last, the characteristic values of the composition were summarized.

TABLE 3 Method for Description of Compounds using Symbols R—(A₁)—Z₁— . . . —Z_(n)—(A_(n))—R′ 1) Left-terminal Group R Symbol C_(n)H_(2n+1)— n- C_(n)H_(2n+1)O— nO— C_(m)H_(2m+1)OC_(n)H_(2n)— mOn— CH₂═CH— V— C_(n)H_(2n+1)—CH═CH— nV— CH₂═CH—C_(n)H_(2n)— Vn— C_(m)H_(2m+1)—CH═CH—C_(n)H_(2n)— mVn— CF₂═CH— VFF— CF₂═CH—C_(n)H_(2n)— VFFn— 2) Right-terminal Group — Symbol —C_(n)H_(2n+1) -n —OC_(n)H_(2n+1) —On —CH═CH₂ —V —CH═CH—C_(n)H_(2n+1) —Vn —C_(n)H_(2n)—CH═CH₂ —nV —OC_(n)H_(2n)—CH═CH₂ —OnV —CH═CF₂ —VFF —COOCH₃ —EMe 3) Bonding Group —Z_(n)— Symbol —C₂H₄— 2 —COO— E —CH═CH— V —C≡C— T —CF₂O— X —CH₂O— 1O 4) Ring Structure —A_(n)— Symbol

H

B

B(F)

B(2F)

B(2F,5F)

B(2F,3F)

B(2F,3F,6Me)

B(2F,3Cl)

Cro(7F,8F) 5) Examples of Description Example 1 V2-HH-3

Example 2 3-HB(2F,3F)—O2

Example 3 3-HHB-1

Example 4 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2

Comparative Example 1

From the compositions disclosed in EP 474062 A, Example 1 was selected. The basis of selection is that the composition contains compound (1-1), compound (1-2) and compound (2-1). Since bulk viscosity was not described, the composition was prepared, and measurement was carried out according to the method described above. The components and characteristics of the composition were as described below.

5-H1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-1)  9% 5-H2B(2F,3F)—O2 (2-1) 11% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 14% 5-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2)  8% 5-HH2B(2F,3F)—O2 (—) 15% 3-HH—O2 (—) 10% 3-HH—O3 (—) 12% 5-HH—O1 (—)  9% 5-HH—O2 (—) 12% NI = 80.0° C.; Δn = 0.072; μ = 20.5 mPa · s.

Comparative Example 2

From the compositions disclosed in JP 2006-37053 A, Example 1 was selected. The basis of selection is that the composition contains compound (1-2), compound (3-1), compound (4-1-1) and compound (5-2-1-2), and has the smallest bulk viscosity. The components and characteristics of the composition were as described below.

2-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 10% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 12% 4-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 10% 5-H1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-1) 11% 3-H1OCro(7F,8F)-5 (5-2-1-2)  5% V—HH-5 (3-1) 20% V2—HH-3 (3-1) 13% 3-HVH-5 (—)  6% 3-HB—O2 (4-1-1) 13% NI = 82.1° C.; Δn = 0.075; μ = 18.5 mPa · s; Δε = −3.4.

Comparative Example 3

From the compositions disclosed in JP 2006-37054 A, Example 2 was selected. The basis of selection is that the composition contains compound (1-2), compound (3-1) and compound (4-1-1), and has the smallest bulk viscosity. The components and characteristics of the composition were as described below.

2-HH2B(2F,3F)—O2 (—) 15% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 15% 4-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 15% V—HH-5 (3-1) 20% V2—HH-3 (3-1) 13% V2—BTB—2V (—)  9% 3-HB—O2 (4-1-1) 13% NI = 91.2° C.; Δn = 0.095; μ = 18.0 mPa · s; Δε = −2.6.

Comparative Example 4

From the compositions disclosed in JP 2006-233182 A, Example 6 was selected. The basis of selection is that the composition contains compound (1-2), compound (3-1) and compound (4-1-1), and has the smallest bulk viscosity. The components and characteristics of the composition were as described below.

V—HH2B(2F,3F)—O2 (—) 15% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 15% 4-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 15% V—HH-5 (3-1) 20% V2—HH-3 (3-1) 13% V2—BTB—2V (—)  9% 3-HB—O2 (4-1-1) 13% NI = 90.8° C.; Δn = 0.096; μ = 17.0 mPa · s; Δε = −3.0.

Comparative Example 5

From the compositions disclosed in JP 2007-39639 A, Example 20 was selected. The basis of selection is that the composition contains compound (1-1) and compound (3-1), and has the smallest bulk viscosity. The components and characteristics of the composition were as described below.

3-H1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-1)  8% 5-H1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-1) 13% V—HH2B(2F,3F)—O1V (—) 10% V—HH2B(2F,3F)—O1V1 (—)  9% V—HH2B(2F,3F)—O2V (—) 10% V—HH2B(2F,3F)—O3V (—) 10% V—HH-5 (3-1) 20% V2—HH-3 (3-1) 10% 3-HVH-5 (—) 10% NI = 78.2° C.; Δn = 0.075; μ = 18.3 mPa · s; Δε = −4.6.

Comparative Example 6

From the compositions disclosed in JP 2008-308581 A, Example 1 was selected. The basis of selection is that the composition contains compound (1-1), compound (3-1), compound (4-2-1), compound (4-3-1), compound (5-1-2-1) and compound (5-2-1-2). The components and characteristics of the composition were as described below.

V—HH-3 (3-1) 30% 3-HH2B(2F,3F)—O2 (—) 10% 3-HHB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-2-1) 10% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O1 (1-2)  4% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2)  9% 4-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O1 (1-2)  4% 3-H1OCro(7F,8F)-5 (5-2-1-2)  7% 5-H1OCro(7F,8F)-5 (5-2-1-2)  7% V—HHB-1 (4-3-1)  9% 5-BB-1 (4-2-1) 10% NI = 82.7° C.; Δn = 0.087; μ = 19.4 mPa · s; Δε = −3.1.

Example 1

3-H1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-1) 6% 5-H1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-1) 6% 3-H2B(2F,3F)—O2 (2-1) 6% V—HH-3 (3-1) 32%  V2—BB-1 (4-2-1) 4% 3-HBB-2 (4-4-1) 5% 3-HHEBH-5 (4-5-1) 3% V—HB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-1-1) 6% 3-HHB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-2-1) 7% 4-HHB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-2-1) 6% 5-HHB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-2-1) 7% 3-H2Cro(7F,8F)-3 (5-2-1-1) 3% 3-H2Cro(7F,8F)-5 (5-2-1-1) 3% 2O—Cro(7F,8F)HH-5 (5-2-4-1) 3% 3-Cro(7F, 8F)2HH-5 (5-2-4-2) 3% NI = 72.8° C.; Tc ≦ −20° C.; Δn =0.080; μ = 12.3 mPa · s; Δε = −2.6; τ = 8.7 ms; VHR-1 = 99.1%; VHR-2 = 98.0%; VHR-3 = 98.1%.

Example 2

3-H1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-1) 10%  5-H1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-1) 8% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 7% 5-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 5% 3-H2B(2F,3F)—O2 (2-1) 13%  2-HH-3 (3) 5% V—HH-3 (3-1) 30%  V—HHB-1 (4-3-1) 7% 5-HBB(F)B-2 (4-8-1) 3% 5-HBB(F)B-3 (4-8-1) 3% 3-HH2Cro(7F,8F)-5 (5-2-3-2) 3% 3-HBCro(7F,8F)-5 (5-2-3-4) 3% 3-BBCro(7F,8F)-5 (5-2-3-5) 3% NI = 74.2° C.; Tc ≦ −20° C.; Δn =0.086; μ = 12.2 mPa · s; Δε = −3.0; Vth = 2.41 V; τ = 8.7 ms; VHR-1 = 99.1%; VHR-2 = 98.1%; VHR-3 = 98.1%.

Example 3

3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O1 (1-2) 6% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O3 (1-2) 7% 5-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 6% 3-H2B(2F,3F)—O2 (2-1) 10%  V—HH-3 (3-1) 32%  1V—HH-3 (3-1) 7% 3-HB—O2 (4-1-1) 3% 1V—HBB-2 (4-4-1) 4% 3-HHB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-2-1) 10%  5-HHB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-2-1) 5% 3-H2Cro(7F,8F)-5 (5-2-1-1) 3% 3-H1OCro(7F,8F)-5 (5-2-1-2) 4% 3-HHCro(7F,8F)-5 (5-2-3-1) 3% NI = 85.0° C.; Tc ≦ −20° C.; Δn = 0.090; μ = 10.9 mPa · s; Δε = −2.8; τ = 8.5 ms; VHR-1 = 99.0%; VHR-2 = 98.1%; VHR-3 = 98.0%.

Example 4

V—H1OB(2F,3F)—O3 (1-1) 5% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 6% 4-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 6% 5-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 6% 3-H2B(2F,3F)—O2 (2-1) 17%  V—HH-3 (3-1) 29%  5-HB—O2 (4-1-1) 3% 3-HHB-1 (4-3-1) 7% 3-HHB—O1 (4-3-1) 4% V—HHB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-2-1) 5% V2—HHB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-2-1) 5% 3-HHB(2F,3Cl)—O2 (5-1-3-1) 3% 4-HHB(2F,3Cl)—O2 (5-1-3-1) 2% 5-HHB(2F,3Cl)—O2 (5-1-3-1) 2% NI = 84.0° C.; Tc ≦ −20° C.; Δn = 0.077; μ = 11.1 mPa · s; Δε = −3.1; Vth = 2.47 V; τ = 8.6 ms; VHR-1 = 99.0%; VHR-2 = 98.1%; VHR-3 = 98.1%.

Example 5

V—HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 5% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 6% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O3 (1-2) 6% 5-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 7% 3-H2B(2F,3F)—O2 (2-1) 14%  3-HH—VFF (3) 5% V—HH-3 (3-1) 22%  1V—HH-3 (3-1) 8% VFF—HHB-1 (4-3) 3% VFF2—HHB-1 (4-3) 3% V2—BB-1 (4-2-1) 4% 3-HHB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-2-1) 6% 2-Cro(7F,8F)2H-3 (5-2-2-1) 3% 2O—Cro(7F,8F)2H-3 (5-2-2-1) 3% 3-HH1OCro(7F,8F)-5 (5-2-3-3) 5% NI = 79.6° C.; Tc ≦ −20° C.; Δn = 0.078; μ = 11.3 mPa · s; Δε = −2.8; τ = 8.6 ms; VHR-1 = 99.1%; VHR-2 = 98.1%; VHR-3 = 98.0%.

Example 6

3-H1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-1) 5% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 6% 4-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 6% 5-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 6% 3-H2B(2F,3F)—O2 (2-1) 12%  V—HH-3 (3-1) 20%  V—HH-5 (3-1) 15%  1V2—BB-1 (4-2-1) 5% 5-HBBH-3 (4-6-1) 3% 5-HB(F)BH-3 (4-7-1) 3% V—HB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-1-1) 5% 3-HHB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-2-1) 4% 3-HHB(2F,3Cl)—O2 (5-1-3-1) 3% 5-HHB(2F,3Cl)—O2 (5-1-3-1) 2% 3-H2Cro(7F,8F)-5 (5-2-1-1) 5% NI = 74.0° C.; Tc ≦ −20° C.; Δn = 0.079; μ = 11.8 mPa · s; Δε = −2.8; τ = 8.7 ms; VHR-1 = 99.1%; VHR-2 = 98.1%; VHR-3 = 98.2%.

Example 7

3-H1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-1) 7% 5-H1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-1) 7% 3-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 6% 5-HH1OB(2F,3F)—O2 (1-2) 6% 3-H2B(2F,3F)—O2 (2-1) 8% V—HH-3 (3-1) 24%  7-HB-1 (4-1-1) 3% 3-HHB-3 (4-3-1) 5% V2—HHB-1 (4-3-1) 7% 3-HHB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-2-1) 9% 5-HHB(2F,3F)—O2 (5-1-2-1) 9% 3-HH—O1 (—) 3% 3-HHEH-5 (—) 3% 1O1—HBBH-5 (—) 3% NI = 90.7° C.; Tc ≦ −20° C.; Δn = 0.079; μ = 12.1 mPa · s; Δε = −2.6; τ = 8.7 ms; VHR-1 = 9.0%; VHR-2 = 98.1%; VHR-3 = 98.2%.

The compositions according to Examples 1 to 7 have a smaller bulk viscosity in comparison with the compositions according to Comparative Examples 1 to 6. Thus, the liquid crystal composition of the invention is so much superior in characteristics to the compositions shown in the patent literatures No. 1 to No. 6.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The invention provides a liquid crystal composition satisfying at least one of characteristics such as a high maximum temperature of a nematic phase, a low minimum temperature of the nematic phase, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, a large dielectric anisotropy, a large specific resistance, a high stability to ultraviolet light and a high stability to heat, or provides a liquid crystal composition having a suitable balance regarding at least two of the characteristics. A liquid crystal display device containing such a liquid crystal composition is applied as an AM device having a short response time, a large voltage holding ratio, a large contrast ratio, a long service life and so forth, and thus can be used for a liquid crystal projector, a liquid crystal television and so forth. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid crystal composition that has a negative dielectric anisotropy and contains at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (1) as a first component, at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (2) as a second component and at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (3) as a third component:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; R³ and R⁴ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; and m is 1 or
 2. 2. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein a ratio of the first component is in the range of 5% by weight to 40% by weight, a ratio of the second component is in the range of 5% by weight to 30% by weight, and a ratio of the third component is in the range of 10% by weight to 60% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.
 3. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, further containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4) as a fourth component:

wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring A, ring B and ring C are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene, 2-fluoro-1,4-phenylene, 3-fluoro-1,4-phenylene or 2,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene, and at least one of ring A, ring B and ring C is 1,4-phenylene; Z¹ is independently a single bond, ethylene or carbonyloxy; and j is 0, 1 or
 2. 4. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 3, wherein the fourth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (4-1) to formula (4-8):

wherein R⁵ and R⁶ are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine.
 5. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 3, wherein a ratio of the fourth component is in the range of 5% by weight to 30% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.
 6. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, further containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5-1) to formula (5-2) as a fifth component:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring D, ring E and ring F are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z² and Z³ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy; X¹ and X² are independently fluorine or chlorine; k is 1, 2 or 3; and p and q are independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, and a sum of p and q is 3 or less.
 7. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 6, wherein the fifth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5-1-1) to formula (5-1-3), and formula (5-2-1) to formula (5-2-4):

wherein R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring E¹, ring E², ring F¹ and ring F² are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; and Z² and Z³ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy.
 8. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 6, wherein a ratio of the fifth component is in the range of 5% by weight to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition.
 9. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 1, wherein a maximum temperature of a nematic phase is 70° C. or higher, an optical anisotropy (25° C.) at a wavelength of 589 nanometers is 0.08 or more, and a dielectric anisotropy (25° C.) at a frequency of 1 kHz is −2 or less.
 10. A liquid crystal display device, containing the liquid crystal composition according to claim
 1. 11. The liquid crystal display device according to claim 10, wherein an operating mode in the liquid crystal display device is a VA mode, an IPS mode or a PSA mode, and a driving mode in the liquid crystal display device is an active matrix mode.
 12. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 3, further containing at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5-1) to formula (5-2) as a fifth component:

wherein R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring D, ring E and ring F are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; Z² and Z³ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy; X¹ and X² are independently fluorine or chlorine; k is 1, 2 or 3; and p and q are independently 0, 1, 2 or 3, and a sum of p and q is 3 or less.
 13. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 12, wherein the fifth component is at least one compound selected from the group of compounds represented by formula (5-1-1) to formula (5-1-3), and formula (5-2-1) to formula (5-2-4):

wherein R¹ and R² are independently alkyl having 1 to 12 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 12 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons, or alkenyl having 2 to 12 carbons in which arbitrary hydrogen is replaced by fluorine; ring E¹, ring E², ring F¹ and ring F² are independently 1,4-cyclohexylene or 1,4-phenylene; and Z² and Z³ are independently a single bond, ethylene, methyleneoxy or carbonyloxy.
 14. The liquid crystal composition according to claim 12, wherein a ratio of the fifth component is in the range of 5% by weight to 40% by weight based on the total weight of the liquid crystal composition. 